Disclaimer: I own nothing. I just own Scarlett.
Thanks once again to everyone who is reviewing so far. Like I've said many times, I'm glad you like it. Not much to say except for my feet itch like crazy. I was sitting on the porch drinking wine with my mother and we got bitten on the feet by mosquitos. We both ran like hell into our house to escape any more itching.
So, I am going to go slather anti itch cream on my feet. Enjoy the chapter!
The next morning, Scarlett awoke to an empty bed. The last thing she remembered was feeling Bruce wrap his arm around her and she had burrowed against the warm body. Groaning at the unwanted sunlight, Scarlett reached out to fumble for her cell phone, which was beeping. Bringing it in front of her face, Scarlett's eyes widened at the message on her Blackberry. In big bold letters, was a message from Harvey, stating "PRESS CONFERENCE 10:00 AM."
"Shit! I cannot believe he's telling me now."
Throwing her legs over the side of Bruce's bed, Scarlett shoved her feet into the black pumps at the foot of the small table. In her haste, she managed to knock into the small bedside table and one of the drawers slid open. Cursing, Scarlett moved to slide it back in but something caught her eye. Reaching into the drawer, she pulled out a small black ring box. Chewing the inside of her mouth, Scarlett looked around to make sure no one was watching. She then opened the small box and her eyes fell upon a large emerald diamond engagement ring. Scarlett's mouth formed a small "O" shape before she carefully took the ring from the box and studyed it. It looked to be about 5 to 6 carots and her curiosity got the best of her. She slipped the ring on her ring finger and realized that it was a perfect fit.
Swallowing down dread, Scarlett began to take the ring back off but to her annoyance, it would not budge. Scarlett stuck her finger in her mouth and tried to get it off with her teeth. It still would not budge. Cursing, Scarlett closed the ring box and shoved it back into the drawer. She was stuck wearing a gift for one of Bruce's playdates. She sat up from the bed and quickly walked to the mirror. Knowing she didn't have time to change out of the red fitted blouse and her black pencil skirt, Scarlett quickly did an inspection of her face. Her makeup looked tolerable and her hair was still in light curls from the day before. Grabbing her purse and black trench coat, she ran to the stairs and all but sprinted down them. Alfred was near the bottom of the stairs and when he saw her running down, he said, "Good Morning, Ms. Falcone. Ms. Dawes is still asleep but would you like anything?"
"No but thank you, Alfred. Harvey's has a press conference at ten and I need to be there. I cannot believe he didn't tell me before now."
"I know. Master Wayne is going to go today."
"What? Why?"
"He didn't tell you?"
"No," Scarlett said, pulling her trench coat on.
"He's turning himself in. Revealing to Gotham that he is Batman."
Clutching her purse tightly, Scarlett said, "Why would he do that?"
The butler looked her straight in the eyes and didn't speak. Alfred saw realization come to her eyes and watched as Scarlett nodded curtly before she said, "Tell Rachel to watch the news when she gets up. She wouldn't want to miss Bruce turn himself in."
Swallowing down more words of distaste, Scarlett wrapped her arms around the butler and said, "Goodbye Alfred."
"Goodbye Scarlett."
He then let go of her and Scarlett turned and walked to the elevator. Once she was inside and on her way down, Alfred turned towards the kitchen and watched as Rachel walked out, her arms crossed and a sad look on her face. Pushing her hair behind one ear, Rachel said, "Bruce didn't tell her, did he?"
"Didn't have the heart to."
"Then I was right," Rachel said, walking towards the TV.
"About what, Rachel?"
"That if Bruce turns himself in, he'll never be with Scarlett."
Meanwhile, at the local courthouse, Scarlett had arrived not a moment too soon. She had been ushered in to where the press conference was being held and stood to the right of a podium, where Harvey was going to stand. She had taken her coat off and was looking around the room. There was press, cops, and some city folk sitting and standing along the wall. However, the one person her eyes kept drifting to was Bruce, who was standing off to the side. Scarlett didn't have time to say a word to him because Harvey had entered the room.
Various media outlets began shouting, "Mr. Dent? Harvey Dent, what have you called this press conference for?" and Scarlett glared at them all as her boss came to her side at the podium and said, "Where's Rachel?"
"Safe at Bruce Wayne's penthouse. Hopefully she'll stay there."
"She might not. After what I'm about to do."
"What," Scarlett said, giving him an incredulous look.
Harvey simply smiled at her before he turned to the crowd before him and motioned for them to quiet down. They did and Harvey nodded to Scarlett, who nodded back before taking her seat behind him. As she did, her eyes glanced over to Bruce, who was giving Harvey a look of determination. Scarlett hoped he wouldn't go through with what he was planning but she wouldn't be surprised if he did.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I've called this press conference for two reasons. Firstly, to assure the citizens of Gotham that everything that can be done over The Joker killings is being done. Secondly, is that the Batman has offered to turn himself in. But, first, let's consider the situation. Should we give into this terrorists demands? Do we really think that he's gonna…"
"You would rather protect an outlaw vigilante than the lives of citizens," a female reporter, interrupted.
"The Batman is an outlaw. But that's not why we're demanding he turn himself in. We're doing it because we're scared. We've been happy to let the Batman clean up our streets for us until now."
"Things are worse than ever," a man shouted out.
"Yes, they are. But the night is darkest just before the dawn. I promise you, the dawn is coming. One day, the Batman will have to answer for the laws he's broken but to us. Not to this madman," Harvey said.
"NO MORE DEAD COPS!"
"HE SHOULD TURN HIMSELF IN!"
The crowds began to agree with each other and began to shout for Batman to come forward. Harvey turned back to Scarlett and she gave him a weak smile. He then turned back to the crowd and said, "So be it. Take the Batman into custody."
Behind Harvey, Scarlett pinched the bridge of her nose and waited for what would arguably be the biggest shock Gotham was about to witness. Shifting her head away from Harvey, Scarlett looked over to Bruce, who was staring straight back at her. She watched as he took a step forward. Before she could stop her body from moving, Scarlett stood from her chair and gave him a pleading glance. As Bruce took another step, Scarlett's view was blocked by Harvey. She walked past him and her eyes searched for Bruce. She watched him glance around the room before Scarlett heard, "I am the Batman."
Feeling her jaw drop, Scarlett whirled around to face Harvey and said, "What?"
Harvey turned to her and gave her a small smile as two cops came up to cuff him. She reached out and grabbed his upper arm, to pull him to her. Leaning into his ear, she said, "You and I both know you are not Batman."
Before Harvey could say a word, the cops pulled him away and led him down from the podium. Scarlett was left standing where she had started the press conference. Alone and facing press and the citizens of Gotham. Turning to the people behind her, she said, "Not a word about this to anyone. I'll handle this later."
She then quickly walked down the stairs, grabbed her coat and purse, and began to walk past assorted people. She saw Bruce standing a few feet away and Scarlett nudged her way past everyone. He deserved to hear a piece of her mind. Some press members began to ask her questions and she replied with, "No comment." As she finally reached Bruce, Scarlett grabbed his hand and pulled him into a secluded location of the courthouse, where no one could see or hear them.
"What were you and Harvey thinking," Scarlett bellowed, once they were out of ear shot.
Bruce stayed silent and it angered the woman in front of him even more.
"You let an innocent man take the fall for you. God, you know what, forgot what Harvey was thinking. You should have just turned yourself in. Would have made things a hell of a lot easier on me."
She turned away from him and walked slowly towards the glass windows in front of her.
"I cannot believe Harvey called this press conference today. I should have known you were conspiring with him. I just didn't know how far he would take this or that you would even think about turning yourself in. How stupid are you? And Harvey for that matter because now, the whole city thinks he's Batman."
Turning back to Bruce, Scarlett's eyes narrowed when she saw him without expression.
"Do you think this is fair? What about Rachel? He is her fiancé and I'm his assistant. Do you know how many damn lies I'm going to have to come up with now? Oh my God, I need a cigarette and a…"
She didn't finish her sentence before Bruce grabbed her forearms and slammed her against the wall. He then leaned down to her face and put his hand on her mouth. As Scarlett reached up to remove his hand, she watched his eyes fall on the large ring that was on her finger. He gave her a small smirk before he said, "I see you found it."
"Found your latest playdates' gift," Scarlett muttered.
"It was not for a playdates. If you had not have left, I would have gotten the chance to properly give that to you."
Feeling a surge of energy, Scarlett pushed him back and said, "Stop dwelling on the past and focus on the now. Do you think by not turning yourself in, that it solves the situation?"
Pushing her back against the wall, Bruce said, "Sometimes you need to learn when to shut up."
Before Scarlett could say anything back, Bruce continued. "Do you want to know why I was going to turn myself in?"
"Yes, please tell me why!"
"You. I was trying to protect you from anymore harm."
"I am not your girlfriend anymore. You don't need to protect me. I work for Harvey."
"I still love you."
"Then you need to let me go," Scarlett hissed.
"Harvey can be the symbol of hope I can never be. I told you that the night The Joker threw you out a window."
"What about Rachel," Scarlett muttered.
"Harvey is trying to protect her. Just like I was going to do for you. I was going to turn myself in. I never expected Harvey to do this."
"Well, then where does that leave you?"
"What do you mean," Bruce said, raising a brow.
"You better have an idea on how to get him out of this. I can't get him out of jail by myself."
"I already know what I have to do."
Pulling her body away from Bruce, Scarlett said, "Good. Better be fast."
She than began to walk down the hallway, pulling her trench coat on. Bruce watched her go and said, "Where are you going."
"Down to the jail. Rachel is on her way there and she's just about as angry as I am."
Scarlett continued down the hallway and Bruce watched her go. He never thought that it might be the last time he saw her.
An hour later, Scarlett finally reached the jail. Traffic had been horrible and upon entering, she was ushered to where they kept convicts. As one of the cops led her down to Harvey's cell, she saw him sit up and say, "Rachel?"
Turning around to look behind her, Scarlett saw Rachel racing down the hall. She stopped by Scarlett and hissed, "What is going on?"
"Bruce didn't turn himself, obviously," Scarlett whispered back.
The cop then opened Harvey's cell and hoisted him up from the bench he was sitting on. He was still cuffed and Rachel said, "What are you doing?"
"They're transferring me to central holding. This is The Joker's chance and when he attacks, Batman will take him down."
"What? Are you kidding me," Scarlett said.
"I wish," Harvey said, as the guard led him out of the cell.
The two women flanked him on both sides and Scarlett said, "As your assistant, I insist you rethink what you are doing."
"Listen to me, this is too dangerous. He's using you as bait. He doesn't even know if he can get The Joker. He's been fooled, so far," Rachel said.
"How do you know what he's thinking," Harvey replied, as they began to walk down stairs that were outside the jail.
"I just do, that's all," Rachel sputtered.
As they were led to a security van, members of the staff began to clap and say small words of encouragement to him. Rachel grabbed on to Harvey's arm before they put him in the van and said, "Anyway, Harvey this isn't just about you. What about all the people who are depending on you to clean the city up? And to do it honorably and…"
Harvey turned and cut Rachel off with a kiss. Scarlett looked towards a few of the men and they all had a mirrored expression. One of being uncomfortable with the display of affection.
"Oh, get over it," Scarlett said.
As Harvey pulled away, Rachel said, "Harvey, tell everyone the truth."
"Heads, I go through with it; tails, I don't," Harvey said, pulling out his coin.
"This is your life. You can't just leave something like that up to chance," Scarlett said.
Harvey flipped the coin with a smile on his face and it landed in Rachel's outstretched hands.
"I'm not."
The door then slammed shut and the truck began to move away. As it did, Rachel looked down at the coin and turned both sides around before she turned back to Scarlett.
"He makes his own luck."
"Ladies," a female voice said.
Scarlett and Rachel turned to see Detective Anna Ramirez standing by a cop car. She had a warm smile on her face and she said, "Mr. Dent requested I take you both back home. Is that alright?"
"I suppose so," Rachel said.
Scarlett nodded in agreement and the two women climbed into the back of the squad car. Ramirez climbed back into the driver's seat and waited till the area cleared and it was just the three of them. Rachel looked around and said, "Why did you wait until everyone was gone?"
Ramirez turned back to them and said, "I'm sorry. For what I'm about to do."
Scarlett didn't have time to ask any questions and the last thing she saw was Ramirez pull a stun gun from her jacket and point it at her arm before turning it on Rachel as well.
Commissioner Jim Gordon walked slowly from an examination room and towards a white door that led into an interrogation room. He couldn't believe what had happened in the course of an hour. He had come back from the dead, Harvey Dent had been cleared of the charges of being Batman, he had saved the real Batman and they had captured The Joker. Fixing his glasses, he opened the door and walked into the dark room. Only one light was on and there, at a table, sat The Joker.
"Evening, Commissioner," The Joker drawled, mockingly.
Gordon didn't say a word as he sat down across from the madman. He then looked The Joker straight in the eye and said, "Harvey Dent never made it home."
"Of course not."
"What have you done with him?"
"Me? I was right here," The Joker said innocently, showing his handcuffed hands. "Who did you leave him with, hm? Your people? Assuming, of course, that they are still your people…and not Maroni's."
The Joker then leaned forward and said, "Does it depress you, Commissioner, to know just how alone you really are? Does it make you feel responsible for Harvey Dent's current predicament?"
"Where is he?"
"What's the time?"
"What difference does that make," Gordon said.
"Well, depending on the time, he may be in one place, or several."
Gordon shook his head before he leaned forward and uncuffed The Joker. He then got up and said, "If we're gonna play games, I'm gonna need a cup of coffee."
As Gordon began to walk away, the madman behind him said, in a sarcastic tone. "Ah, the "good cop, bad cop" routine?"
"Not exactly."
Gordon then opened the door and closed it just as quick. The lights suddenly turned on, to reveal Batman standing behind The Joker. The madman didn't see it coming as his head smashed into the table. When he looked back up, he saw Batman standing in front of him. The Joker rubbed his head, comically and said, "Never start with the head, the victim gets all fuzzy. He can't feel the next…"
Batman cut him off by smashing The Joker's knuckles with his fist. The Joker made a face, to comically register the pain.
"See?"
"You wanted me? Here I am," Batman said, taking the seat under him.
"I wanted to see what you'd do. And you didn't disappoint. You let 5 people die. Then you let Dent take your place. Even to a guy like me, that's cold."
"Where's Dent," Batman growled.
"Those mob fools want you gone so they can get back to the way things were. But I know the truth. There's no going back. You've changed things…forever."
"Then why'd you wanna kill me?"
The Joker began to laugh hysterically before he said, "I don't…I don't wanna kill you! What would I do without you? Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No. No…no. You…you complete me."
"You're garbage who kills for money."
"Don't talk like one of them, you're not! Even if you'd like to be. To them, you're just a freak–like me! They need you right now. When they don't…they'll cast you out. Like a leper."
The Joker than leaned closer to Batman and said, "See, their morals, their code: it's a bad joke. They're dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these, uh…civilized people, they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster; I'm just ahead of the curve."
Suddenly, Batman grabbed The Joker and dragged him across the table.
"Where's Dent?"
"You have all these rules, and you think they'll save you," The Joker wheezed.
Batman then picked the lighter man up and slammed The Joker against the glass wall. On the other side, Gordon and a few other cops cringed. Gordon watched the two men in front of him and said, "He's in control."
"I have one rule," Batman said.
"Oh, then that's the rule you'll have to break to know the truth."
"Which is?"
"The only sensible way to live in this world is without rules. And tonight you're gonna break your one rule."
"I'm considering it," Batman said, tightening his grip on The Joker.
"Well, there's only minutes left. So you're gonna have to play my little game if you want to save one of them."
"Them," Batman said.
"You know, for a while there, I thought you really were Dent. The way you threw yourself after Faclone's daughter…"
At the realization that The Joker had gotten a hold of Scarlett, Batman flew into a fit of rage. He flipped The Joker onto the table and grabbed the chair Gordon had been sitting in. He dragged it across the room and wedged the chair against the door handle so no one else could get in. On the other side of the room, Gordon began to run towards the interrogation room door before Batman did more harm to The Joker.
"Look at you go," The Joker sputtered, laughing. He then pulled himself up and cracked his neck.
"Does Harvey and his little bunny know about you and his little assistant?"
Batman picked the madman up and smashed The Joker's head against the glass window. The Joker fell down onto the floor, laughing hysterically.
"WHERE ARE THEY?!"
"Killing is making a choice…," The Joker said, taking on a dull tone.
Batman then punched The Joker in the face before he yelled, "WHERE ARE THEY?!"
"You choose between one life or the other. Your friend the District Attorney and his blushing bride to be. Or his beautiful assistant, who is named after the color of blood."
Batman punched him in the face again as The Joker laughed harder and more hysterical through all of it. Clenching his fists, Batman looked down at the man on the floor as he rolled over and said, "You have nothing–nothing to threaten me with, nothing to do with all your strength."
Becoming more angry by the second, Batman reached down and picked The Joker up by his shirt. The Joker's smile suddenly vanished and he said, "Don't worry, I'm gonna tell you where they are. All three of 'em. And that's the point: you'll have to choose between Gotham's white knight and his bunny or the love of your life. He's at 250 52nd Street. And the women are at…Avenue X at Cicero."
Having what he needed, Batman threw The Joker back to the ground and stormed out of the interrogation room. Upon opening the door, he breezed past Gordon, who said, "Which one of them are you going after?"
"Scarlett and Rachel!"
As he watched the dark knight storm out of the area and out to the Batpod, Gordon turned to his men and shouted, "We'll get Dent! We're going to 250 52nd Street!"
The Joker has Scarlett. It's safe to say that some of you knew that was coming. If you didn't, sorry. What happens in the movie will happen but will Scarlett receive the same fate? You'll find out in the next chapter.
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